Consumer sentiment falls to nine-month low amid concerns over tariffs and cost of living

Trade war with the US cited as a major concern, along with price increases, survey shows 

During March, the consumer sentiment index showed a reading of 67.5 — significantly lower than the 74.8 reading in February. 

Irish consumer sentiment has fallen to a nine-month low this month as the prospect of a trade war with the US being cited a major concern, along with the potential for price increases, the latest Credit Union Irish Consumer Sentiment Index has found.

During March, the consumer sentiment index showed a reading of 67.5 — significantly lower than the 74.8 reading in February — suggesting a “clear deterioration in consumers' assessment of their economic and financial environment”.